how to clean an aquarium

How to clean an aquarium 8 Tips To Make Sure Your Aquarium Is Always Clean

How to clean an aquarium. If you are just getting started with fish keeping, you might find it hard to ensure that your aquarium is clean all the time. This is especially true if you have not had an aquarium before and you don’t know how to clean it properly.

Fortunately,
cleaning an aquarium isn’t that complicated. All you need is time and proper
tools to do it successfully.

If
you don’t have a clue on where to get started, you may check out a reliable
resource for aquarists, likeAquarium Source, to learn more about taking care of
your aquarium. You may also consider the following tips to make sure your
aquarium is always clean:

Use The Right Cleaning Tools

When
it comes to cleaning your aquarium, the first thing that you should prioritize
is to use the right cleaning tools. Never opt for items that will cause damage
to your aquarium or harm your fish.

You
can use algae pads for cleaning the glass inside your aquarium. These can be
bought at many pet stores. You may also use plastic razor blades for this. Just
be careful when learninghow to clean an
acrylic aquarium because it isn’t scratch-resistant and may be damaged
easily if you use razor blades.

Another
cleaning tool you need is a siphon for your aquarium’s interior. It is useful
for removing the water and vacuuming the gravel.

For
your aquarium’s exterior, you need a lime cleaner and an aquarium-safe glass
cleaner. You may also use vinegar if you want. Just use a gentle rag or sponge
when cleaning.

Consider Using Water Test Kit
For Aquarium Once A Week

When
using a water test kit for aquariums, always take note of the results and
compare these weekly. If you have noticed any particular discrepancies, it is a
sign that there is a problem and you should take extra steps to address it as
soon as possible before it gets out of hand.

Change Aquarium Water Every 2-4
Weeks

You
must always do a 25 percent water change every two-four weeks. You do not
always need to remove fish when changing your aquarium water. Just see to it
that you use gravel cleaner for the process.

When
refilling water to the aquarium, make sure to use products that will eliminate
chloramines and chlorine in the water. If possible, do not change more than 50
percent of your aquarium water since it may get rid of the beneficial bacteria
and may cloud your aquarium.

Always Clean The Gravel

Cleaning
the gravel of the aquarium is important. You may use a rock vacuum to do it.
This will help you remove excess sustenance, fish waste, and other debris.

Do
not use a scoop-like vacuum if you have sand substrate. Use the hose part of
your siphon instead of using a plastic tube. You may also use your fingers to
make gunk float up.

Replace Carbon Filter Media
Regularly

The
filter’s carbon media is responsible for removing dissolved toxins from your
aquarium. After several weeks, the ability of the carbon to absorb toxins can
become exhausted and may not do you any good.

So,
as a solution, take another carbon filter and place it in a mesh pouch to have
an extra toxin-absorbing power in your aquarium. Make sure to rinse it every
week and replace it whenever you replace your filter media.

Don’t Forget To Do Decoration
And Plant Maintenance

When
cleaning your aquarium, don’t forget to clean its accessories as well. If
possible, clean your tank decorations and prune. or replant live plants.

More
often than not, the decorations are very easy to maintain. You only need to get
rid of the excess algae or wipe them down. You can also reposition them if you
have digging fish.

On
the other hand, plants may require more work. You should clean your plants
weekly and improve aquascaping based on how plants grow.

Clean And Change The Filter
Regularly

Yourfish tank can be a
haven for salmonella. This is why it’s important to change and clean your
aquarium filter. It performs a lot of functions, such as getting rid of excess
debris and food from the water. It also eliminates harmful chemicals and keeps
the aquarium water clean, preventing it from becoming cloudy.

To
clean your aquarium’s filter, get rid of the water and remove filter media. The
filter media should be washed gently in the bucket of aquarium water. Just
don’t clean it vigorously. Once you overclean it, you might end up eliminating
the beneficial bacteria from the filter.

You
can also scrub out the filter’s interior and clean out any moving parts. Once
you’re done, reassemble it properly and use it once you’re done cleaning the
aquarium.

Usually,
changing filters should be done every two to four weeks. But, it is recommended
to change the filter the week after you clean your aquarium.

Save More Time By Creating Your
Own Water Exchange System

If
your aquarium is big, you will need to siphon out and replace gallons of water
every two weeks. If you want to make aquarium cleaning much easier, consider
creating your own water exchange system with the use of PVC pipes.

You
may find instructions over the Internet on how to make one and customize it in
accordance with your aquarium setup.

Conclusion

Cleaning an aquarium is easy. Anyone can do it without the need to hire professionals. Just make sure to use the right cleaning tools and equipment. To ensure that your aquarium stays clean all the time, it is important to have a regular cleaning schedule. This can also help you avoid a major spring cleaning in the future. Overall, with regular proper care and maintenance, you can be assured that your aquarium will always look beautiful.

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Author: Giovanni Carlo

I am a koi fish keeper and breeder a husband of beautiful wife Maybel and beautiful daughter May Carl
I have been in fish keeping hobby for over 35 years. Like many kids in the 80's We catch fish in the rivers and canals and kept it in the "pasong" local visayan name for pond. or a large mayo bottle since We don't have aquariums yet on that time. decades later their is a small petshop open in my place and that starts me from buying aquarium and fishes that are sold in the pet store decades later start growing goldfish and koi fish until today.
View all posts by Giovanni Carlo